Your trusted source for local London, UK news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Metropolitan Police confiscated Israel Vidal's wheelchair for 19 days after he used an electric attachment, leaving him without mobility. Despite assurances from hospital staff that the attachment could be detached, the police refused to return his wheelchair until public pressure mounted. Campaigners are now urging the government to revise outdated laws regarding electric attachments for wheelchairs.
The Natural History Museum showcased a newly reclassified dinosaur species, comparable in size to a labrador. This addition highlights ongoing research in paleontology and the museum's commitment to expanding its collection.
Two Metropolitan Police officers were dismissed for gross misconduct after strip-searching 15-year-old Child Q in her school, an incident that raised serious concerns about race and police treatment of black youth. The Metropolitan Police acknowledged the incident damaged their relationship with black communities, despite a panel finding that race was not a factor in Child Q's treatment. Community protests followed the release of details from a safeguarding report, prompting calls for changes in policing practices.
A BBC investigation reveals concerns about shared ownership housing schemes, with complaints over costs and transparency. Florence Eshalomi MP emphasizes the need for clarity on how government investments will address these issues, as many buyers, like Lee, label the scheme a "gimmick" due to unexpected costs and difficulties in selling.
A businessman in north London received a £53,350 fine after his employees were caught fly-tipping meat and fish. Ali Jamil Mohammed, director of Ranya Food Centre and Ranya Fresh Fish Limited, pleaded guilty to charges following multiple complaints and surveillance evidence. Brent Council's crackdown on fly-tipping aims to reduce the £1.5 million annual cost to the local authority.
Wandsworth Council plans to ballot residents on a revised regeneration proposal for the Alton Estate in Roehampton this autumn. The new plan includes 614 homes, with 57% designated as affordable, and aims to improve community facilities. If approved, a planning application could be submitted by June 2026.
The Crystal Palace International Film Festival faces closure if local councils impose a £6,500 fee for film ratings. Founder Neill Roy argues that the costs are unmanageable for festivals and insists that the councils' actions threaten a beloved community event. A petition to save the festival has garnered over 1,500 signatures.
A charity, Chance to Shine, set a Guinness World Record for the largest cricket lesson with 943 participants at Lord's Cricket Ground. The event, marking the charity's 20th anniversary, involved children from 35 schools and aims to promote cricket in disadvantaged areas. Celebrity supporters emphasized the event's importance in building confidence and teamwork among children.
Seven individuals face charges following a Palestine Action protest in London, where police reported 13 arrests. The charges include a racially aggravated public order offence and assaulting emergency workers. This protest occurred shortly after the home secretary announced plans to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization.
Jennifer Abbott Dauward, a 69-year-old film director, was found dead in her Camden flat after being stabbed eight times in the neck. Her sister, Nancy Pexton, also 69, faces murder charges and will remain in custody until a plea hearing scheduled for September 9. Missing from the crime scene was Dauward's Rolex watch, raising suspicions about the motive behind the crime.